John Hirsch, President
John had a long career in the Federal government with Canada Customs. Later he was a private sector Customs and trade consultant and wound up his professional career in warehouse and transportation logistics in the Toronto area. Upon retiring to the County in 2014 with his wife and cats, John got involved in community service, primarily in the areas of environment and conservation – especially in respect of the PEC South Shore.

Volunteer and Community Involvement Prince Edward County since 2014

• 2018 – Founding Director and President of the South Shore Joint Initiative
• 2016 – Present -Director of CCSAGE – County Coalition for Safe and Appropriate Green Energy
• 2015 – 2017 -Appellant in the successful WPD White Pines ERT appeal
• 2015 – Present -Board member Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
• 2015 – Appointed to the Board of Quinte Conservation Authority by the Municipality of Prince Edward County

Persuaded by many people in the environmental movement, John ran in the municipal election in 2018 and now represents Ward 9 South Marysburgh. In this capacity, he sits on the Board of Quinte Conservation, the Audit committee, Prince Edward Heritage Advisory committee and now the newly formed Environmental Advisory Committee.

Cheryl Anderson arrived in Prince Edward County in 2003 after retiring from a career in biochemistry research at the University of Guelph.  In Guelph, Cheryl served in several positions of the executive of the Guelph Field Naturalists; and, as a member of the Guelph Round Table on the Environment and Economy, she chaired a Community Involvement Program to write a Green Plan for the City of Guelph. In Prince Edward County Cheryl has served on the executive board of the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists and of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory and currently is a board member of the South Shore Joint Initiative.  Her interest in the natural world has led to advocacy for the Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.

Myrna Wood is a founder of the Bird Observatory and the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists.  She has been enjoying birding on the South Shore for 25 years so she knows the importance of conserving the migratory bird habitat and biodiversity of the South Shore. was instrumental in the formation of the PEC South Shore IBA

Amy Bodman is on the Executive of the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists and the PEC Trails Committee and is a member of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. She is also a writer, a filmmaker and a nature enthusiast. She lives in Wellington.

I was born a city kid, but had the great fortune to be taken on Southern Ontario nature adventures frequently by my parents, who were keen bird watchers. From them I learned, not only to identify many bird and plant species, but also how deeply essential time in nature is to the well being of people. Prince Edward County is one of the places where nature experiences are still both varied and accessible. Preservation of the South Shore for generations to come is both necessary and urgent.  

My family have owned an off-grid home in the County for over 10 years. Incidentally, it is located near to where my ancestors settled in the 1870's. I have worked as a land use planner in 9 different countries, and am currently a senior project manager, with experience both in business and government. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the work done in this community to protect such significant natural habitats. 

Dick Bird is a life long resident of the area and a retired chemistry teacher. Former VP of Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust and a fund raiser for Miller and Hudgin Rose purchase. Dick is a volunteer with Nature Conservancy Canada, a traditional builder of cedar/canvas canoes and recipient of numerous environmental awards.

I started out liking trees, then birds and wildflowers and more. I have gained a connection to and appreciation for the natural environment. I put aside time to do photography, sketch, paint and read about what I naturally encounter. It's important for me to advocate for and support environmental causes. I like to volunteer for these. As a part of SSJI, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of fellow members, experienced the enthusiasm that is our group, and made several new friends. It's important, to speak for and to work for the conservation of the South Shore now and into the future. -- John F. Foster